Biden to promote gun control in pro-gun Virginia

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Vice President Joe Biden is launching a White House campaign of road trips to promote gun control with a visit to the heart of avidly pro-gun Virginia.

The White House announced Wednesday that Biden would travel to Richmond on Friday along with other Obama administration officials and Democratic Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine.

White House aides say President Barack Obama also plans to travel to push the issue, although his destinations have not yet been announced. Biden headed the president's task force to study gun violence.

Obama said last week that he wants Congress to require background checks for all gun sales and ban both military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. The president conceded passage will be difficult, with support for gun ownership rights strong among lawmakers.